"Christopher Columbus is a symbol for all Italian Americans as a person who discovered the new world," Angelo Vivolo said. "It's a terrible act. We all have different opinions, however, we must act a civil way to discuss what we believe in. And to deface a statue that's in Central Park is lawless."

As discussions and reviews of controversial monuments across the city continues, many agree defamation isn't the best way for protesters to get their point across or achieve their goals.

"I think people may see it as vandalism, first and foremost, and then maybe the underlying message is lost," park visitor Ed Haas said. "I think there's ways to get your message out."